It is a style truism that the more versatile a wardrobe item is, the more desirable it becomes. This is as applicable to a crisp white shirt as it is a pair of perfectly fitting blue jeans. But it is particularly true when it comes to a pair of ankle boots that you could wear to a 9am marketing presentation, a 6pm cocktail in the city and for a weekend spent mucking out a stockyard. 

David Cook, Head of Footwear and Accessories Development at R.M.Williams, says the versatility of the bestselling Lady Yearling boot is its hallmark, and due in part to a sense of “rugged elegance.” He adds,

“The boots are elegant. But certainly very Australian too … they're hard wearing and tough.”

It’s as beloved by customers as it is by the team who works every day to bring it to life in new colours, leathers and fits, and can often be seen on the feet of the R.M.Williams design team.

“The Lady Yearling is my favourite boot – I wear it constantly and I wear it with pride,” states Chief Design & Product Officer, Rachel Allen. “It has such an edge and a multi-dimensional personality, without straying far from our archive of riding boots. It’s a perfect balance of western style, heritage craftsmanship and modern wearability.” 

Now celebrating another season as a feminine icon in its own right, it may be a surprise to learn that the Lady Yearling was born from a bestselling silhouette for men. It was launched in 2016 after the brand noticed women were buying smaller sizes of the men’s Yearling boots. This feminine, instant classic adopted its predecessors signature rounded toe and slightly elevated block heel, whilst staying true to the narrower, refined silhouette of a women’s boot. 

“Depending on the configuration of leathers and colours, it appeals to quite a broad customer base. It's very versatile. In part I think because it’s mid-height and can be worn with skirts, dresses, jeans— it really doesn't matter. It has a refined almond toe shape, and can be worn with anything, from formal looks to something very casual,” says David.

A classic Chelsea boot style—sleek but unfussy— the Lady Yearling boots are for getting things done in. For one thing, the 4.5cm block heel and rubber sole means the boots can comfortably be worn all day (and night). The boot is always available in classic Black and Chestnut but seasonal collections have also rendered the style in suede, metallics, crackle-effect and burnished high polish finishes.

More recently, the boot has also been crafted in a comfort fit, with a cushioned insole for increased support. Head of Footwear and Accessories Design Amy Barnes explains, “The rubber sole and comfort insole bring a hardy wearability to the Lady Yearling, establishing it as a style for modern living and dressing. This new comfort fit gives women the support to wear it in any scenario with confidence.”

Ultimately, these are boots made for wearing season in, season out. Timelessness, usefulness and a sense of rugged elegance never go out of style.